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Busan's Star: Shark Captivates South Korea
17 Oct
Summary
- A 10-foot dusky shark has become a national celebrity in South Korea.
- Over a million people have visited to see the shark in Busan's port.
- The shark, named Bukangi, has been made an honorary city ambassador.
South Korea is captivated by its unlikely new star: a 10-foot-long dusky shark named Bukangi. The wild female shark was first spotted about a month ago in a canal near Busan's port. Despite two official attempts to guide her back to open water, Bukangi remains in the waterway, attracting immense public attention.
More than a million people, including the president, have flocked to see the shark, a rare sight in the area. Her presence has sparked a fever on social media, particularly in Busan. Bukangi's fame has led to her being named an honorary city ambassador, a special edition liquor release, and even merchandise from the local baseball team.
Residents like 64-year-old Kim Soo-min feel a personal connection, worrying about Bukangi's well-being and hoping for her safe return home. The shark's continued presence in the port waterway highlights a unique and widely shared national fascination.
